James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital Sweet Moments of Cookies , Comfort and Connection
By Rachelle Smith , Public Affairs September 18 , 2024
For over a year , Fisher House 1 and the Chaplain Service at James A . Haley Veterans Hospital have collaborated on a heartwarming initiative , affectionately known as “ Cookies with the Chaplain ”.
Every other Wednesday , the dining room fills with the warm , inviting aroma of homemade cookies , generously prepared by Angie Strevella , program support assistant of the Fisher House and coordinated by Sean Kelly , supervisory program support specialist at The Fisher House .
“ I really love baking cookies . They fill everyone with joy and happy memories ,” said Strevella , who bakes a majority of the cookies on Tuesday beforehand . “ They
just make everything better .”
On these special afternoons , a chaplain takes a seat at the table , creating a cozy , welcoming space for the staying at the Fishers House . It ’ s more than just a moment to enjoy delicious cookies ; it ’ s a tie to connect , share stories and find comfort in the presence of a compassionate listener .
“ We adapted this from another Fisher House program named ‘ Cupcakes with the Chaplain ,’ started by their manager Vanniecia Brown ,” said Kelly . “ This program allows Veterans , families and caregivers to talk about issues ranging from spiritual to sports . Having a sympathetic ear that ’ s not necessarily part of the care team , Fisher House staff or other guests can be beneficial for mental health and just getting through life .”
Chaplain Roosevelt A . Hanna , who leads this special meeting , has seen firsthand the joy and solace it brings . Families gather around , not just to savor the cookies , but to engage in heartfelt conversations that ease the burden of they stay . The effort has received glowing feedback , becoming a cherished tradition for many .
In a place where healing often goes beyond just the physical needs , “ Cookies with the Chaplain ” offers a sweet reminder of the power that rests in community , kindness , and the simple joy of sharing a cookie with a someone who understands .
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